president obama's campaign is nearing the $1 billion mark this election year as far as raising funds. how much of an impact does this type of money have as you near the election? >> well, it becomes important because there's still a lot of views being shaped about the race through negative advertising that you see in the battleground states. and so, you know, i don't think campaign cash is going to be a huge issue for either side but it is a measure of some enthusiasm which right now is benefiting republicans a bit more and certainly romney helped himself in that regard with such a strong debate. >> political pundits will tell you mitt romney won the debate on wednesday night. apparently voters agree. according to gallup's daily tracking poll, obama's three-point lead, 49% to 46% down from a five-point lead reported the day before. was the debate the game changer that the romney campaign was looking for? >> it was in terms of his own campaign and i think his ability to get a second look by voters. we're going to have to see as more polling comes out whether we see a further tightening